When the PDC World Championship resumes after Christmas, number nine seed Damon Heta hits a nine-under but is out.
The Australian hit double 12 to complete a perfect leg in the second round of his third-round match against Luke Woodhouse, and coolly earned a payday of 60,000.
But Woodhouse won 3-1 to progress to the last 16.
HEROIC HETA HITS NINE. 🔥
Incredible views. 🤯
Damon Heta produced his second ninth player of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace. #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez
— PDC Sticks (@OfficialPDC) December 27 2024
“I have no words at all, The crowd was fantastic,” Woodhouse told Sky Sports. “I didn't think it was the greatest game in the world, but I got through it. I am the moon.
“I tried to put him under as much pressure as possible. I wanted to put as much on him as I could. And I want to see what happens from there.”
Hatter was just 12mm away from shooting nine shots in the previous round, but was unerring this time in his first match after the Christmas break.
He followed up with consecutive 180s, treble 20 and treble 19, before sending his nine darts over the right side of the rope.
'You can't celebrate.'
Heta's performance was his second shot at the 2025 tournament and 16th at the World Championships, following an effort before Christmas.
Woodhouse took his opponent's success to heart, hugging the Australian and raising his arms in the air.
Woodhouse said: “Me and Damo are good friends. We go golfing together and exercise a lot.
“I know he's upset because he missed double 12 in the previous round. The crowd goes wild and you can't celebrate.”